Arkansas School Counselor Certification

Arkansas school counselors support public schools students by developing counseling programs that are comprehensive, preventative, and developmental in nature. Based on the American School Counselor Association, this model helps all students achieve their optimum academic, social, and emotional success.

Counselors in the state serve nearly 500,000 students in over 1,100 public schools. For more information about Arkansas’ guidance and school counseling program, visit the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Skip down to find information relevant to your situation:

• Initial School Counseling Certification
• Certification Renewal
• Certification Through Reciprocity
• Additional Certification Resources

Initial Arkansas School Counselor Certification

Step 1: Educational Requirements

Arkansas offers an initial standard license that is valid for five (5) years. There are two pathways to licensure in Arkansas, based on an applicant’s graduate degree.

To be eligible for licensure, you must have earned one of the following:

1. Master’s degree in school counseling, such as the following:

or

2. Master’s degree in any field and completion of an approved school counseling preparation program through an Arkansas institution

Learn more about Arkansas’ approved educator preparation programs here.

Step 2: Submit to a Criminal Background Check

Applicants must complete an FBI noncriminal fingerprint based criminal history check and a background check with the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry.

You must complete a background consent form and then complete the fingerprinting process at a Live Scan location near you.

Step 3: Examination Requirements

Applicants for the Arkansas Guidance/Counseling K-12 license must pass the Professional School Counselor (ETS 5421) exam with a qualifying score of 156 or higher. For more information about this exam, or to register for a test date, visit the Praxis website.

Step 4: Know the Fees

Application fee: $75

The $75 application fee can be paid online. You may also submit a check or money order made payable to the Arkansas Department of Education.

Step 5: Organize Your Application Materials

Your complete application is submitted online and includes the following materials:

• Completed profile and application through the the Arkansas Educator Licensure System
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degree
• Proof of passing score for the Professional School Counselor (ETS 5421) exam
• $75 application fee

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Your complete application, except for the criminal background checking requirements, are submitted online through the the Arkansas Educator Licensure System.

If you would like to request a paper application, you must email the Office of Educator Licensure at [email protected].

Additional Information

If you need additional assistance with your school counseling licensure application, contact the Department of Education at 501-682-4342 during normal business hours CST.

Arkansas School Counselor Certification Renewal

Standard school counseling certificates are renewable every five (5) years. Renewals can be processed after January 1 of the expiration year. Arkansas requires that licensed professionals complete 36 continuing education hours for each of the years that a license covers. For the five (5) year standard license, counselors must complete a total of 180 hours, approved by a designated school official.

The following requirements are necessary for renewal:

• Completed profile and application through the the Arkansas Educator Licensure System. Paper applications are no longer accepted for renewal.
• Newly cleared background checks are required for renewal.
• Proof that professional development requirements have been met, signed by a designated official
• $75 renewal application fee

Additional Assistance

For additional inquiries about your renewal application, you can email a licensure specialist at [email protected] or call the department at 501-682-4342.

Arkansas School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity

If you are applying as an out-of-state applicant, you may be eligible for licensure through reciprocity. Upon review of your education and credential, an Arkansas licensure specialist will contact you if any deficiencies exist in your application.

Required materials include:

• Completed profile and application through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degree
• Copy of your current, valid credential
• Proof of passing score for the Professional School Counselor (ETS 5421) exam, or proof of passing score from licensing state’s required exam. If you have not passed the ETS 5421 or an equivalent exam, you will be required to complete the Professional School Counselor (ETS 5421) exam, details located here
• A criminal background check and Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry background check are required for reciprocity applicants.
• $75 application fee

Additional Assistance

If you have additional questions about the reciprocity process, you can contact the Recruitment and Retention Program at 501-682-6349 or 501-682-3606 during normal business hours CST.

Arkansas School Counseling Certification Resources

For resources to assist you with continuing education and other career development opportunities, see the following websites:

• Arkansas School Counselor Association
• Arkansas Department of Education School Counseling Resources
• American School Counselor Association
• National Board for Certified Counselors

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